Air Compressor Definition

An air compressor is a machine that converts gas or electrical power into a kinetic energy in order to produce a desired motion.

Process

The process by which an air compressor produces kinetic energy is through pressuring and compressing air. It then releases the air in quick bursts in order to power whatever mechanism to which the air compressor is attached.

Positive-Displacement Air Compressors

Air compressors that use positive displacement work by pumping air into a chamber, and then reducing the chamber's volume to create the compression. The compression causes the air to become pressurized so it can power various gears.

Nonpositive-Displacement Air Compressors

Air compressors that use nonpositive displacement are typically centrifugal compressors. Such compressors use centrifugal force in order to accelerate and then decelerate air to pressurize it.

Applications

The most common applications of air compressors are for filling gas cylinders, powering pneumatic tools, filling tires and supplying pressure for industrial processes.

Selecting the Appropriate Air Compressor

Since certain tools consume more air than others, knowing the air requirements, or cubic feet per minute, of the tools will allow you to determine the appropriate air compressor to purchase. The cubic feet per minute can be found on the tool itself or in the manual supplied by the tool manufacturer.

References

• Tool Barn: "Air Compressor Buyer's Guide"

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish